Community Forums

Towertime · 07-21-2012, 08:23 AM

Has anyone had the "heat shield" installed that can post pictures?

Moonshine94 · 07-22-2012, 05:32 PM

Drove from Lake Ouachita to Table Rock SP in Branson today. Came up Hwy 7, so worked the engine some. Temps were mostly upper 90's, but climbed over 100 as we came through northern Ar. Highest the DIC showed was 107 just as we got to Table Rock. I thought the genset was going to make it, but after 6 hours it died just as we pulled into the park. Thor is sending parts to me for the local dealer to install after we get home.

Towertime · 07-22-2012, 06:36 PM

Hopefully they are sending you a new door also. I believe it has become apparent that Thor did not comply with the Onan installation instructions concerning the required clearance for the generator when they are pulling the intake air up from under the skirt of the vehicle. I measured my Genset and it was only about 1 1/2 inches back from the door. In section 6C of the installation instructions, it says 1 1/2" is the minimum but that it requires additional clearance when pulling the intake air up from under the skirt. (See attached excerpts from the Onan Installation Manual.)

Moonshine94 · 07-23-2012, 01:05 PM

They didnt say what theyre sending. Wonder if a cold air intake would help. Driving around in Branson today, DIC showed 104 degrees, genset only lasted 1.5 hours before going TU.

Towertime · 07-23-2012, 04:31 PM

I was hoping sscarp or sanfordturbo would let us know how it works with a vent in the door to allow cooler air into the intake. I guess they haven't had it on the road since the mods.

sscarp · 07-24-2012, 06:07 AM

As soon as the weather gets hot again I will try it out.

Towertime · 07-24-2012, 03:57 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by sscarp

As soon as the weather gets hot again I will try it out.

You just need to come down south, we have plenty of heat.

Moonshine94 · 07-24-2012, 06:28 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Towertime

You just need to come down south, we have plenty of heat.

+10. Plenty hot in Arkansas.

Mine seems to be getting worse. Came back south on Ar Scenic Byway 7 to Russsellville today. DIC started out at 91, never got over 95, but the genset only lasted 1 hour, 20 mins before overheating. After using dash A/C only for a couple hours was a le to get the grnset restarted for the final 30 mins into camp. DIC was a steady 100 the last time. May be a long drive back to Tx when vacation ends. Otherwise, really liking this coach.

Harry Joe · 07-27-2012, 07:15 AM

First entry...
After talking to a Thor tech (Pat) with my concerns about potential generator problems he sent me the insulation kit: several feet of gas line insulation, large metal panel & new louvered door (top 40% heavy screen).
Since I'm ~250 miles from a Thor dealer, he said that I could have warranty repairs done locally. Since NO places would agree to bill Thor, I PAID for the work....now awaiting reinbursement.
BTW, the most time consuming repair was diagnosing and fixing a water flow problem. It turns out that manufacturing debris was plugging the fresh water outlet pipe between the tank and pump (first, find the plug...of course you can't see most of the tubing); that was chased down and the tank removed, dried, cleaned and reinstalled. I haven't checked if the fix worked as yet and hope that it will not reoccur.

Moonshine94 · 07-29-2012, 12:17 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Harry Joe

ing to a Thor tech (Pat) with my concerns about potential generator problems he sent me the insulation kit: several feet of gas line insulation, large metal panel & new louvered door (top 40% heavy screen).

Harry Joe,

Does your ACE have the full body paint? Curious to know if there's a different kit for those with FB paint, as the only doors we've seen so far were for unpainted coaches.

Moonshine94 · 07-29-2012, 12:23 PM

Made it back home yesterday. Genset lasted 5 hours on the road before dying. DIC was reading a steady 108 the last couple hours, with a few spikes as high as 112. It's a shame when you have to come back to Texas in July to find relatively cooler weather (only 104 at home yesterday).

Overall, averaged right at 8 MPG for the 1200 miles, and that was with the genset running as long as it would before dying. High mileage was 8.8, and low was 6.4. Genset lasted a longest of 6 hours, and a shortest of 32 minutes. Macerator pump blew a fuse once, and the awning didn't want to work once until I pulled and reinstalled the fuse. Discovered the pullout pantry needs a tie down strap if you're driving on winding mountain roads. Winding roads also good for locating spare parts (screws, bits of plastic, and bearing from a drawer slide) that come out from hiding spots with enough back and forth turns. Can't find anything broken, so I can only presume that these are construction leftovers.

Towertime · 07-29-2012, 12:42 PM

It is starting to seem like Thor is making it harder on us with the full body paint to get this issue fixed. It does seem like those with the white doors are getting them replaced pretty easily. I ran across this one doing an internet search. Meanwhile, my unit is still at the Cummins dealer.....I don't think they have done anything to it yet. Thor insisted that I take it in for evaluation before they would do anything. It sure seems strange that others are calling and Thor immediately starts sending parts.

Moonshine94 · 07-29-2012, 06:26 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Towertime

It is starting to seem like Thor is making it harder on us with the full body paint to get this issue fixed. It does seem like those with the white doors are getting them replaced pretty easily. I ran across this one doing an internet search. Meanwhile, my unit is still at the Cummins dealer.....I don't think they have done anything to it yet. Thor insisted that I take it in for evaluation before they would do anything. It sure seems strange that others are calling and Thor immediately starts sending parts.

Interesting. When I called they immediately offered to send parts (which parts remains to be seen) and gave me an authorization number for the dealer to install the parts. Seems to me that if unpainted coaches need a screened door to fix, then painted coaches need a screened door as well. Will be very curious to see what parts arrive, and when.

Harry Joe · 07-29-2012, 08:34 PM

Yes, HaRVey is unpainted. The new screened generator door looks stock. As for the people with painted units; Thor should supply you with (and install) a door painted, (with graphics!) identical to your original. The $3K+ paid for paint should ensure that!
That being said...I haven't even heard back from Pat, the Thor tech, who said that I could get my warranty work done locally at a non-Thor facility AND get reimbursed.